1963 Studebaker 8E5 ZIP Van US Postal Mail Truck

1963 Studebaker 8E5 Description

(No Reserve)

1963

Studebaker

Zip Van

1963 Studebaker Zip Van

Studebaker won a 1963 contract to produce 3,391 examples of the Zip Vans and were very popular, so an additional 847 orders were placed and the total rose to 4,238.

Studebaker provided the engineering and chassis, while the unitized body was fabricated by Met-Pro, Inc. of Lansdale, PA. Met-Pro established the Bede Manufacturing Company to handle the Zip Van project.

Studebaker named them after something NEW called the ZIP Code (Zone Improvement Plan) that the Postal Service came out with.

The Zip Vans featured a sliding door for the driver, no door on the left side, and all examples were right-hand drive. In the back, the door opened up-and-down in similar fashion to a garage door.

Inside, there were two gas pedals. One pedal was for the driver when they were sitting while the other was to be used when they were standing. Features included a heater and an adjustable seat. The gauge cluster was the one used in Studebaker's Transtar pickup.

Powering the Zip Van was a 170 cubic-inch overhead 'Skybolt' six that offered 112 horsepower passing power through a Borg-Warner 3-speed automaticand onto aDana 44 Twin-Tractionlimited-slip equipped rear axle. It had a wheelbase of 85 inches and a length of 143 inches. ZIP Vans had easy viewing with large windows. The huge flat front dash was perfect for sorting trays of mail and large air panel below windshield let air cross flow to upper rear vents that open. They had large rear bumper guards for loading docks and a safety back up buzzer. The driver seat folds up as back rest for stand-up driving while using a lower gas pedal by sliding your right foot sideways.

The front suspension, steering gear, engine, and radiator are all mounted on a cradle that can be easily be rolled out from underneath for service. The Postal Service could quickly swap in another one to keep it on the road while doing any repairs.

The Studebaker Mechanicals are easily available being mostly based on the ½ ton truck using the Studebaker Champ 6-cylinderengine, automatic transmission, rear end, steering components, and the Transtar instrument cluster.

The Zip Van paint scheme used by the U.S. Post office were painted red, white and blue.

Need something for Special Delivery, or Christmas Presents? Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!

A great alternative for those who might also beinterested in the Jeep DJ.

Rain, or Snow, nor dark of night stopped the hard-working ZIP Vans and later they were repurposed as Ice Cream Trucks, Handyman Work Trucks, Shop Vans, Catering Food Trucks, mini Campers etc.

Even at Studebaker meets these are rarely seen and it will draw a crowd at any car show!

Decription:

We bought this Studebaker Zip Van in 2003 and have had it in storage since then. It originally came from Los Angeles, Long Beach area where previous owner drove it until he parked it in storage. It was last licensed in 1980. We haven’t done anything to it and needs a full restoration. There is some rust at the roof overhang lip and side panel joints. Luckily Zip Vans use mostly flat metal and glass. The mechanical parts are available through Studebaker parts vendors. If you want to restore a rare very unique Studebaker with multipurpose possibilities, you will likely be the only one showing up with a Zip Van in your area.

Details:

VIN:E5FC1163

Engine # OHV 170 cu. In. 6 cyl.

Model: 8E5-FC

Millage: 94,117

If you are looking for something rare and unusual that grabs everyone’s attention, or want to make unique special deliveries, this is your opportunity to own a rare ZIP Van!

Have your car carrier do door to door shipping or you can pick up thevan in person. Thevan is located in Bellingham, Washington 98225.

Terms of Sale:

$500 deposit must be received in 48 hours of auction close. PayPal is preferred for the deposit.Wire transfer is preferred for balance. Final payment must be received within 7 days of accepted winning bid (Certified Check,Cashiers Check or Bank/Wire Transfer in U.S. Funds Only) and will be held until it clears my bank. The title is free and clear of any leans. Buyer is responsible for shipping within 30 days. Thecar is sold as is and where is.